#TheLIST: The New Places to Honeymoon in 2015

A honeymoon is meant to be anything but typical and, let's face it, a little about bragging rights. Tried-and-true standbys may work for any old holiday, but this special trip should be once in a lifetime. For the newly-engaged couple or simply romantic travelers who are suffering from "been there, done that," here are our picks for the the hottest untapped getaways.

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Myanmar

Why You're Going: Following recent political shifts, Myanmar has started to open its doors to international visitors, sending it to the top of travelers' lists. Bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand, Myanmar is one of the most diverse and culturally rich countries in Southeast Asia.

Where You're Staying:Belmond Governor's Residence. This 1920s colonial mansion has been converted into a luxury estate resort, dotted with lotus ponds and gardens. Honeymooners can indulge at the hotel's spa, or enjoy a romantic alfresco dinner by lantern-light.

Courtesy Belmond Governor's Residence

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Cuba

Why You're Going: Because you can. While many Americans have visited Cuba illegally over the past decades, this Caribbean island may soon be opening its borders to US citizens. With pristine, white sand beaches, eye-popping turquoise water and a culture that has been "off limits" since the 1950s, this is one of the more unspoiled getaways you can plan in 2015.

Where You're Staying:Hotel Nacional. One of the most historic hotels in Cuba, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba is in the center of Havana, with views over the Havana Harbor and the city. The iconic city hotel has pulled its fair share of stars over the course of its 81-year history with names like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner gracing the guestbook.

Howard Ignatius

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Iceland

Why You're Going: Frenetic nightlife in the capital Reykjavik meets vast, rugged terrain and clear open skies, providing a gorgeous contrast for honeymooners looking for a taste of ultimate town and country. Bathe in natural hot springs, catch the Northern Lights or explore the urban culture that is all packed on this tiny North Atlantic island.

Where You're Staying:ION Luxury Adventure Hotel. Just outside Reykjavik sits this adventure retreat. Set against craggy lava fields, this other worldly, architecturally unique hotel draws honeymooners who want to drink in natural beauty while staying in luxury accommodations. Be sure to soak in the heated outdoor pool while scanning the skies for the Aurora Borealis.

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Nicaragua

Why You're Going: This Central American destination has been beckoning the bohemian set for years, who are drawn to the natural, eco-friendly vibes. Not typically thought of as a honeymoon destination, this all changed with the opening of Mukul Luxury Resort & Spa, which provides the perfect hideaway for free spirits who seek the finer things.

Why You're Going: The Middle Eastern heavy hitters have always been Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but with the rise of fantastic hotels, Oman is elbowing its way into the mix. This ultra-luxe destination believes in over-the-top pampering, perfect for honeymooners who want to be treated like royalty.

Where You're Staying:Six Senses Zighy Bay. Take in Oman's rugged beauty from the privacy of a Beachfront Spa Pool Villa. These stone-and-wood hideaways are surrounded by high walls and decked with sun loungers and private pools. In-villa spa treatments and steam showers are some of the romantic touches available.

Courtesy Six Senses

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Mozambique

Why You're Going: Beautiful, remote and romantic, this undiscovered African island is the perfect way to cap out a safari. In the north of the island find the Quirimbas archipelago of 32 islands, peppered with uninhabited beaches and wildlife. In the south, Bazaruto archipelago has five islands in a marine national park.

Where You're Staying: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort & Spa. The second Anantara resort to open on Mozambique, this new resort sits on its own tiny private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago. The resort has just 12 thatched Beach Pool Villas, each with Indian Ocean views.

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Botswana

Why You're Going: Botswana is a perfect destination for honeymooners who take their adventure with a side of refinery. Teeming with wild game, Botswana is a safari-lover's paradise, and it's host of glamorous lodging accommodations give adventurers an intimate, five-star respite.

Where You're Staying: Sanctuary Baines' Camp. The most intimate of Sanctuary Retreats' camps, this romantic oasis has just five suites. Sit under the stars in an outdoor bathtub or lounge on the sky bed on the private deck. The camp borders the Moremi Game Reserve and is tucked in a grove of trees surrounded by papyrus beds.

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Puglia

Why You're Going: An ideal location for couples who want a quintessential and refined Italian experience, without the throngs of people. Case in point: Anna Vitali and Dion Rivkin tied the knot here in 2013. At the tip of Italy's "heel," Puglia is still a relatively undiscovered spot surrounded by beaches, olive groves, historic farmhouses and medieval towns. A foodie's paradise, Puglia is known for its farm-to-table dining, "crudo" and rich red wines.

Where You're Staying: Borgo Egnazia. Between the towns of Bari and Brindisi find the sleepy seaside town of Savelletri di Fasano, home to the Borgo Egnazia. This stylish and modern resort is reminiscent of an authentic Puglian Village, with all the five-star touches: private pool villas, beach clubs and a golf course.

Courtesy Egnazia

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Seychelles

Why You're Going: This archipelago in the Indian Ocean is lesser known by American travelers, mostly because access from the US is still limited. But it's worth the extra legwork when you are greeted by thick, verdant jungles running down to sugary beaches and aquamarine ocean. A slew of luxury accommodations continue to keep these islands relevant for A-listers.

Where You're Staying: North Island Resort. As if this resort could get more regal, Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their honeymoon at this private island sanctuary. On a secluded island in the Indian Ocean, North Island Resort has 10 Presidential villas directly on the beach. Everything on the island is tailor-made to ensure total seclusion and privacy, from in-room spa treatments to intimate dinners on the beach.

Courtesy North Island

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Sumba Island, Indonesia

Why You're Going: Bali has stolen the Indonesian spotlight for decades as the ultimate romantic getaway, but Sumba Island is clearing a path for its own royal arrival. One of the biggest islands in the East Nusa Tenggara region, it is still one of the lesser known and untouched. Come here for its deserted beaches, local tribes and great surf.

Where You're Staying:Nihiwatu. Nihiwatu has caught the attention of the Hermes family who calls this eco-chic hideout a regular vacation spot. Couples can relax on the beach or from their private pool escapes. From the resort hike into the paddy fields to visit local villages or take a surf lesson with a local guide.

Courtesy Nihiwatu

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Lijiang, China

Why You're Going: China's Yunnan province provides a much-needed escape from the sensory overloads of Beijing and Shanghai. Honeymooners disappear into a world of ethnic tribes and Tibetan cultures surrounded by misty, moss-colored mountains. Lijiang's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides visitors a glimpse into the indigenous Naxi people.

Where You're Staying:The Banyan Tree Lijiang. Incorporating local design into a luxurious mountain retreat, the Banyan Tree Lijiang is the perfect base for adventurous couples who want to trek the foothills of the Himalayas or explore the nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Courtesy The Banyan Tree

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Tahiti

Why You're Going: Tahiti is far from an undiscovered honeymoon destination. The South Pacific has been an axis of romance travel for a long time. But the debut of a new private island retreat is breathing new, star-studded life into the destination.

Where You're Staying:The Brando. Newly opened and entirely the brainchild of Marlon Brando, this eco-friendly and self-sustainable island resort has taken this already dream destination to another level. Set entirely on Tetiaroa island, honeymooners will love the one bedroom villas with private media rooms, outdoor bathtubs and plunge pools.

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Ecuadorian Andes

Why You're Going: With Peru as its neighbor, home to Machu Picchu, Ecuador's Andes are often overlooked. But when it comes to honeymoons, the Ecuadorian Andes are steeped in history and sweeping, romantic vistas. Travelers can saddle up with Ecuadorian cowboys and ride into volcanic landscapes, visit with Pre-Inca civilizations and soak up the natural beauty and deep heritage.

Where You're Staying: Hacienda Zuleta. This historically elegant working hacienda has 14 rooms with cozy fireplaces, private gardens and terraces.

Eric Schmuttenmaer

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Sri Lanka's East Coast

Why You're Going: Everyone else will be on the west coast, so for a private and intimate retreat, Sri Lanka's east coast is a perfect alternative. Here explore the undiscovered natural parks and jungles. Gal Oya National Park is home to Sri Lanka's largest lake and offers both water and land safaris. Within the park is Uga Bay, a luxury beachside hideaway, which can be used as a home base to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Polannaruwa.

Where You're Staying:Uga Bay. Uga bay sits on Passekudah beach and features an underground spa with Indian Ocean views. Consider one of the Beach Villas, which have their own open air plunge pools and terraces, as well as private access to the beach and 24-hour butler service.

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Yosemite National Park

Why You're Going: Yosemite National Park is a wonderful retreat for honeymooners, offering a mix of outdoor activities from hiking and climbing to driving destinations. But you're going for Ahwahnee Hotel, the only luxury hotel in Yosemite that has been a haven for international A-listers.

Where You're Staying: The Ahwahnee Hotel. This historic and luxury hotel was designed keeping the natural environment at the forefront. Couples spending their honeymoon at the park can relax in these regal digs that have played host to international celebs like Clint Eastwood, James Franco and Queen Elizabeth.

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